DeviasanaBeginnerstanding

Deviasana

देवी आसन

Deviasana, or Goddess Pose, is a powerful standing squat that strengthens the legs and core while opening the hips. It builds stability and confidence, grounding the practitioner firmly.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

6

Avoid If

4
  • Severe knee injury or pain
  • Ankle injury
  • Recent hip surgery or severe hip pain
  • Low back pain (modify depth)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Locking the knees — keep a micro-bend or engage the quadriceps
Collapsing the arches of the feet — distribute weight evenly
Holding the breath or breathing shallowly
Hunching the shoulders toward the ears
Leaning weight to one side — keep both feet equally grounded
Forcing the hips open beyond their current range
Looking around the room — keep the gaze fixed

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

7 cues
  • 1Ground firmly through all four corners of both feet
  • 2Engage the quadriceps by lifting the kneecaps
  • 3Lengthen the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades down and back
  • 5Maintain steady, even breathing throughout
  • 6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force
  • 7Fix the gaze on a steady point (drishti) for balance

Pose Details

Helps With

posture correctionflexibilitystrengthweight loss

Pose Type

hip openercore strengthenerbalance

Body Focus

lower bodyhipscoreankles

Focus Areas

strengthflexibilitybalance

Best For

beginnersathletesrunnersplus sizeteens

Yoga Styles

hathavinyasaiyengar

When to Practice

warm upquick practicesun salutation

Position

standing

Modify If You Have

knee injury

Bend knees less deeply, or use a wall for support to reduce strain.

low blood pressure

Avoid deep squat, keep gaze steady and rise slowly.

Target Areas

QuadsGlutesAdductorsAbs

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Deviasana, or Goddess Pose, is a powerful standing squat that strengthens the legs and core while opening the hips. It builds stability and confidence, grounding the practitioner firmly.

How to Practice

1

1. Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Inhale and step your feet 3-4 feet wide apart.

2

2. Turn your toes out, roughly 45-60 degrees, ensuring your heels are pointing inwards.

3

3. Exhale and bend your knees deeply, as if sitting into an imaginary chair. Ensure your knees track directly over your ankles.

4

4. Strive to bring your thighs parallel to the floor. Keep your knees and toes aligned in the same direction.

5

5. Draw your tailbone down towards the floor, tucking your pelvis slightly to avoid overarching the lower back.

4 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Deviasana

What is Deviasana?

Deviasana, or Goddess Pose, is a powerful standing squat that strengthens the legs and core while opening the hips. It builds stability and confidence, grounding the practitioner firmly.

What are the benefits of Deviasana?

Strengthens quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Opens and stretches the hips and groin. Tones the core and abdominal muscles. Improves balance and stability. Increases mental focus and determination. Stimulates abdominal organs.

Who should avoid Deviasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Severe knee injury or pain, Ankle injury, Recent hip surgery or severe hip pain, Low back pain (modify depth).

How many steps are in Deviasana?

Deviasana is practiced in 9 steps. Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Inhale and step your feet 3-4 feet wide apart.

Is Deviasana suitable for beginners?

Yes, Deviasana is a beginner-friendly pose suitable for all levels.

What props are needed for Deviasana?

You may use: wall. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What conditions does Deviasana help with?

Deviasana is therapeutic for: posture correction, flexibility, strength, weight loss.

What poses should I do before Deviasana?

Prepare with: Tadasana, Shoulder Rolls, Neck Rolls, Tadasana Variation: Heel Raises. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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